adorable baby smiling with joy

Peds Calc

Parent Guide

Ampicillin AdministrationSafe & Effective Dosing for Children

Ampicillin is used both orally and intravenously; dosing varies by age, weight, renal maturity, and infection severity.

Quality Score: 8/10
3 Clinical Sources
Back to Ampicillin Overview

Available Forms & Concentrations

oral capsule/suspension Form

Clinician-selected older infants/children

Advantages

  • Step-down option after IV therapy

intravenous solution Form

Neonates, infants, children (hospital setting)

Advantages

  • Rapid attainment of therapeutic levels
  • Essential for serious infections

Step-by-Step Preparation

1

Confirm infection type and target organism

Note if therapy is empiric (e.g., neonatal sepsis) or culture-directed.

2

Calculate mg/kg dose

Use current weight and appropriate interval based on gestational age or renal function.

3

Administer on schedule

PO: empty stomach with water. IV: reconstitute/dilute per policy; infuse over recommended time.

Age-Specific Administration Techniques

neonate (IV)s

Method & Positioning

Method: Slow IV push or infusion

Positioning: Secure IV access; continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring for unstable infants

Success Tips
  • Use dosing card (e.g., UCSF) for interval selection
  • Pair with gentamicin when indicated
Common Challenges
  • Line compatibility
  • Renal immaturity
Success Strategies
  • Document exact start/stop times
  • Trend serum creatinine

school-age (PO)s

Method & Positioning

Method: Oral capsule or suspension

Positioning: Seated upright

Success Tips
  • Set phone alarms for q6h dosing
  • Rinse mouth after suspension to prevent taste issues
Common Challenges
  • Empty stomach requirement
  • Nighttime doses
Success Strategies
  • Plan dosing schedule around meals
  • Discuss alternative agents if adherence barriers persist

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Infant develops rash after starting therapy

Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists

Solutions to Try

  • Evaluate for EBV-associated rash vs allergy
  • Consider alternative agent if systemic symptoms present

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid empiric ampicillin in suspected mononucleosis

PO dose vomited within 30 minutes

Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists

Solutions to Try

  • Repeat dose once; if vomiting persists, consider alternate route

Prevention Tips

  • Administer with small amount of water and monitor hydration

Safety & Storage Guidelines

Storage Requirements

Temperature: Room temperature for capsules/vials; refrigerated (2–8°C) for reconstituted suspension

Stability: Suspension stable 7–14 days refrigerated (check manufacturer); IV solutions stable ≤1 hour at room temp

Location Tips

  • Label oral suspension with beyond-use date
  • Store IV vials in pharmacy-controlled environment

Clinical Insights

Neonatal dosing is gestational- and postnatal-age specific—use institutional dosing cards.

Evidence: ReferenceSource:

Pair with gentamicin for empiric coverage of Enterococcus, Listeria, and Gram-negative organisms in early-onset sepsis.

Evidence: GuidelineSource:

You're Doing Great

You are providing the best care for your child. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance.

Clinical References

Ampicillin for Injection — DailyMed•U.S. National Library of Medicine (2025)Label
Neonatal Antimicrobial Dosing Card — Ampicillin•UCSF Infectious Diseases Management Program (2025)Guideline
Group B Streptococcus Disease: AAP Updates Guidelines for Management of At-Risk Infants•American Family Physician (2020)Guideline